Agricultural surplus

Definition

Agricultural surplus refers to the excess production of food and crops beyond what is necessary for the immediate needs of the population. This surplus allows for trade, storage, and supports a growing population by freeing up labor from agricultural work to engage in other economic activities. In the context of agricultural collectivization and the elimination of the kulaks, the aim was to increase this surplus through state-controlled farming practices while also targeting wealthier peasants who were seen as obstacles to achieving a more equitable distribution of resources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The goal of agricultural surplus during collectivization was to provide food for urban workers and support industrial growth in the Soviet Union.
2. In many cases, forced collectivization led to widespread resistance among kulaks, resulting in brutal repression and mass deportations.
3. Agricultural surplus was intended to stabilize grain supplies, but in practice, it often resulted in famine due to poor planning and execution.
4. The state would seize grain from collectivized farms, leading to shortages for peasants while attempting to export excess grain for foreign currency.
5. The emphasis on agricultural surplus contributed to significant changes in rural life, including the breakdown of traditional farming practices and community structures.

Review Questions

• How did the drive for agricultural surplus impact rural communities during the collectivization process?
  • The drive for agricultural surplus fundamentally altered rural communities as traditional farming practices were replaced with collective farming methods. Many peasants resisted these changes, leading to social upheaval and conflict within communities. The state's focus on increasing output often came at the expense of local needs, causing widespread hardship and dislocation among those who relied on agriculture for their livelihood.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of collectivization in achieving agricultural surplus compared to its intended goals.
  • Collectivization aimed to create an agricultural surplus to support industrialization; however, its effectiveness was often compromised by violent resistance from kulaks and mismanagement by the state. While some increases in production were reported, they were often outweighed by severe famines, such as the Holodomor in Ukraine. The lack of proper incentives for farmers and disregard for local conditions ultimately led to a decline in overall agricultural productivity, undermining the very goals of collectivization.
• Critically assess how the concept of agricultural surplus influenced Soviet policies towards kulaks and food distribution during the 1930s.
  • The notion of agricultural surplus was central to Soviet policies during the 1930s, framing kulaks as class enemies who hoarded resources and impeded progress. This led to a systematic campaign against them, including land confiscation, deportations, and even executions. The state's need for surplus not only justified these harsh measures but also dictated food distribution priorities, often prioritizing urban centers over rural populations. This approach resulted in devastating famines that highlighted the disconnect between state policy objectives and actual food security for many Soviet citizens.

Related terms

Collectivization: The process of consolidating individual landholdings and labor into collective farms, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity under state control.

Kulaks: Wealthier peasants in the Soviet Union who owned larger farms and were targeted during collectivization for being perceived as class enemies.

Five-Year Plans: State-directed economic plans in the Soviet Union designed to rapidly industrialize the economy and increase agricultural output, including measures to enhance agricultural surplus.